The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1928. SUCCESS ATTENDS COURAGE.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 October 1928, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1928. SUCCESS ATTENDS COURAGE.

The great trans-Tasman flight, the return trip, has been accomplished in the face of circumstances and conditions calling for the highest courage The aviators deserve the highest praise and kudos for accomplishing so successfully the remarkable feat they have performed—the historical aerial conquest of the Tasman Sea. It has to be recalled that the trip to New Zealand was done in very boisterous weather. The “ Southern Cross’ ” de parture from Sydney was delayed for some days through stress of weather. When the weather reports seemed somewhat favourable the gallant party hopped off, and although they were fortunate in having a favourable wind which must have added nearly fifty per cent to their normal speed, they had a wild storm with them practically all the way till they obtained that fortunate glimpse of New Zealand through the breaking clouds. It was indeed a wild night in the air, and in all th'circumstances they were lucky almost in pulling through. Once in New Zealand, the weather barred their return for many days. It is indeed fortunate so excellent a service is now available in the compilation of weather reports, and the information was invaluable to the aviators. Despite the very doubtful nature of the reports to the end; and the plain hints that the trip might with wisdom be abandoned, the same spirit which brought the men aeros‘ was dominant in the desire to take them back. It was a surprise to learn in view of the prevailing weather a c ' far as it could be sensed on this seaboard of tbe Tasman, that the aviators decided to depart. But the decision reached, there was not any turnin'* back. They had confidence in their

machine and in themselves. It freed to near tne cheery voice of fh<~ radio operator on Saturday morning saying “au revolt- ” on the moment of departure f'ftmi Blenheim. His voice betokened confidence and courage and his disposition was typical < i that of his comrades. And so the great adventure was begun in the face of a head wind and trying aerial con ditions which appear to have barred tneir rapid progress all the way over. As we write the full story ot the return flight has not reached us, hut we know from the outset their speed and flying capacity were limited by the ad verse wind. All day long they

peared to be battling against a strew adverse wind, their recorded speed at times being less than half of that attained on the outward journey. Bui they were courageous enough to hold on their way. They had the oppor tunity to return to New Zealand, and try their luck later. But their butt I *- with the e'ements and fate went on all day and Ifar into the night. When it is recalled that they Hew to New Zen land in roughly 14 hours, and that the return journey took 28 hours, approximately, their difficult experiences cat lie guaged to some extent. Surely it was due to success to wait on the courage displayed and crown the gre 1 effort with the triumph due it. An 1 so the wonderful adventure worked out. The hampering wind made their arrival very late, and took great on their store of fuel. There were difficulties about the lighting at the Richmond aerodrome. These trials am troubles are now all behind them, and all honour to the gallant crew of the “ Southern Cross ” —Kingsford-Smith Ulm, Litchfield and McWilliams. Each had to play an important part in accomplishing a feat which will ever bo recalled from the pages of history. U says something for the Australian and New Zealand spirit predominating ir such a task. It is a worthy feature of the racial trlait, that indomitable spirit associated all through the ages with the British character. In ever clime and in every sphere Britons have never shirked their part, and it create® pride of race to note these outstanding deeds of daring-do brought off successfully and with such elan. Mr Coates’ summary of the demeanour of these fine men was surely well expressed and deserved, and it is up-lifting to know that the race has men of that type t° perform such outstanding historic feats.